Havoc (2025) isn’t your typical action thriller. Directed by Gareth Evans — the man behind The Raid — this Netflix Original stars Tom Hardy as a detective who dives deep into a city crumbling under corruption after a drug deal spirals out of control. From what we’ve seen in early reviews and trailers, it’s not just about high-octane fights and shootouts. There’s a darker layer about broken systems, survival, and redemption. If that kind of gritty, relentless energy is your thing, then you’ll definitely want to check out these movies like Havoc. Each one brings its own intense flavor of crime, chaos, and complicated heroes.
Kill Zone (SPL) (2005, Wilson Yip)
If you’re on the hunt for movies like Havoc that mix intense action with heavy emotions, Kill Zone (also known as SPL) is a solid pick. Just like Havoc, this one’s all about the blurry lines between right and wrong. There are no perfect heroes here — just people trying to do their jobs or protect what matters to them, even if it means bending the rules. The emotional weight behind the violence hits hard, and that gritty, no-nonsense vibe runs strong through every scene.
The story follows a veteran cop nearing retirement, his hot-headed younger partner, and a powerful gangster played by Donnie Yen. As their paths collide, things get personal, brutal, and pretty heartbreaking. And yeah — the action scenes? They’re brutal in the best way possible. Donnie Yen’s fights are fast, raw, and painful to watch (in a good way). If you’re after movies like Havoc with a strong emotional core and killer fight scenes, this one won’t disappoint.
Hyena (2014, Gerard Johnson)
Hyena reminds me of Havoc in how it drags you through the messier parts of law enforcement — where corruption isn’t the exception, it’s the rule. The lead character is a cop neck-deep in criminal partnerships, trying to stay one step ahead before everything crumbles. Just like Hardy’s detective in Havoc, you’re never really sure if he’s the hero or just a better-dressed villain.
Set in London’s underworld, Hyena is dark, uncomfortable, and brutally honest. It’s not about heroic takedowns, it’s about navigating a world where everyone is compromised. The atmosphere is bleak, but it’s gripping — and it paints a very real picture of how justice gets twisted in the shadows.
The Raid (2011, Gareth Evans)
If you’re searching for movies like Havoc that deliver jaw-dropping action with a gritty, no-holds-barred atmosphere, The Raid is an absolute must-see. Directed by the same mastermind behind Havoc, Gareth Evans, this one takes the intensity to a whole new level. The vibe is just as relentless, with a lone hero trapped in a brutal situation, fighting against the odds while exposing the corrupt underbelly of a criminal empire.
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The plot follows a SWAT team tasked with raiding a high-rise building that’s controlled by a ruthless drug lord. But things spiral out of control fast, turning the operation into a survival fight. With every floor they clear, the tension rises, and the brutal hand-to-hand combat sequences just don’t let up. The choreography is unbelievable — the martial arts are fast, raw, and leave you breathless. If you’re into high-octane, edge-of-your-seat action with a solid emotional thread and a hero who has to dig deep to survive, The Raid definitely hits the mark. It’s non-stop, intense, and packs a serious punch.
Dredd (2012, Pete Travis)
Much like Havoc, Dredd traps its hero in one building and throws everything at him. It’s the same idea — strip the character down to pure survival mode, then slowly reveal just how broken the system around them is. Both films are about corruption, chaos, and one person trying to hold the line when everything’s collapsing.
In Dredd, Karl Urban plays the iconic judge, jury, and executioner. He’s locked inside a mega-apartment block with a rookie partner, facing an army of criminals. It’s a dystopian action movie that’s stylish, intense, and surprisingly thoughtful. Also, the visuals? Absolutely killer. It’s like watching a comic book punch you in the face — in a good way.
Upgrade (2018, Leigh Whannell)
Upgrade is different in setting — it leans more into sci-fi — but it still captures that feeling of a broken man pushed to extremes. Both Havoc and Upgrade feature leads who are physically wrecked but emotionally determined, digging through layers of corruption to uncover the truth. They also share a certain brutal, efficient violence that’s really satisfying to watch.
The film follows a guy paralyzed after an attack, who gets a tech implant that lets him walk — and fight — again. As he tracks down those responsible, things spiral into something much bigger than revenge. It’s smart, sharp, and has one of the most creative fight scenes in recent years. If you liked Havoc for the grit and grit plus a twist, this is your next stop.
A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014, Scott Frank)
If you’re into movies like Havoc that feature a solitary, haunted hero trying to navigate a world full of corruption and violence, A Walk Among the Tombstones should be on your radar. While it’s a slower burn than Havoc, it shares that same tension-filled atmosphere, with Liam Neeson playing a troubled ex-cop who’s unwilling to walk away from a case that gets way more twisted than he expected. Both films tap into the emotional toll on their characters as they wade through a corrupt underworld, trying to do the right thing when everything around them is falling apart.
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The story follows Neeson’s character, Matt Scudder, a former cop turned private investigator, who is hired by a drug dealer to find the men responsible for kidnapping and murdering his wife. As Scudder digs deeper, the case grows darker and more dangerous, revealing a chilling web of violence and betrayal. While A Walk Among the Tombstones leans more into detective noir and less into the all-out action of Havoc, it still carries the same dark, emotional weight and an undercurrent of tension that keeps you gripped until the very last minute. If you like gritty, emotionally charged thrillers with a character who’s not afraid to get his hands dirty in a world of broken morality, this is a must-watch.
Out of the Furnace (2013, Scott Cooper)
What Havoc does with city corruption and organized crime, Out of the Furnace does with small-town desperation and underground violence. The themes are so close — broken justice systems, people left behind, and how far someone will go to save a family member. It’s not just about violence, it’s about what that violence costs.
Christian Bale plays a man searching for his missing brother, and what starts as a quiet investigation turns into something much darker. The performances are raw and grounded, and the atmosphere is thick with dread. It’s not a flashy movie, but it hits hard — emotionally and physically.
Safe (2012, Boaz Yakin)
If you’re into the rescue mission in a city full of enemies setup from Havoc, Safe delivers that perfectly. Jason Statham plays a washed-up ex-cop who fights to save a young girl from the Triads and corrupt cops. Like in Havoc, the lead battles against overwhelming odds, takes hit after hit, but keeps moving forward.
The action is slick and hard-hitting, but what makes it work is the connection between the two leads — a man with nothing left to lose, and a child who depends on him. It’s not just about shooting your way out, it’s about protecting something fragile in a brutal world. That mix of heart and carnage hits just right.
